Ep. 161 - The Cost of Caregiving: A Conversation with Naaz Nichols of Care.com

In this episode, we sit down with Naaz Nichols of Care.com to discuss the growing pressures on working parents, especially those in the "sandwich generation" caring for both children and aging parents. Nichols highlights alarming trends, including a sharp decline in mothers' workforce participation driven by return-to-office mandates, high childcare costs, and limited flexibility. She underscores the urgent need for affordable childcare and senior care, workplace equity policies, and cultural shifts that normalize flexibility and caregiving support. The conversation explores the financial and emotional toll of caregiving, from families patching together multiple care arrangements to the staggering stress levels that leave many parents feeling isolated. Nichols shares personal stories, Care.com's new senior care offerings, and advice for caregivers: prioritize self-care, build support systems, and advocate openly for help. The episode closes with sobering insights on declining interest in parenthood, shaped by the high costs of caregiving